Exciting news from an email:
“The National Geographic Society will open the National Geographic Museum of Exploration at its global headquarters in downtown D.C. on June 26, featuring 100,000 square feet of new public space dedicated to inspiring the explorer in every visitor. Starting today, visitors can purchase presale tickets.
The Museum of Exploration features an unprecedented collection of immersive and educational experiences, all under one roof (more…)
From the National Portrait Gallery:
“Portraiture Festival & Performance of “Forever Is a Feeling” by Moveius Contemporary Ballet
WHAT: Portraiture Festival & Performance of “Forever Is a Feeling” by Moveius Contemporary Ballet
WHEN: Saturday, March 14
Festival: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Performance: 3:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
WHERE: Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery—Kogod Courtyard
Eighth and G streets N.W.
The National Portrait Gallery will celebrate art, identity and creativity with its Portraiture Festival, a daylong event for all ages centered on “The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today.” This exhibition is the latest installment of the museum’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, held every three years to showcase the next wave of contemporary portraiture by artists from across the United States. (more…)
“Artemisia Gentileschi
Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, c. 1625
oil on canvas
overall: 81 x 105 cm (31 7/8 x 41 5/16 in.)
National Gallery of Art, Gift of Funds from Nina J. Cohen in honor of her father Emanuel Cohen and Patrons’ Permanent Fund”
Some ecstatic art news to start the day from the National Gallery of Art:
“The National Gallery of Art today announced the acquisition of Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, a rare painting from circa 1625 by renowned Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–circa 1654). This is the first singular work by Gentileschi to enter the National Gallery’s collection. Its acquisition meaningfully expands the museum’s holdings of Italian Baroque paintings by adding a defining artwork by one of the 17th century’s most celebrated artists.
The painting will be on view beginning late February in gallery 29 on the main floor of the West Building. (more…)
rendering via National Building Museum
From the National Building Museum (401 F Street, NW):
“Architecture students from The Catholic University of America will build a massive floating spaceframe in the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., using sustainable materials and new technology that was designed in part by a student and professor at the University.
This new approach could revolutionize spaceframe design and construction to be more sustainable, efficient, flexible, and affordable. Spaceframes appear in everything from geodesic domes and long-span roofs to solar arrays, aerospace systems, stadiums, and entertainment venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas.
The Catholic University students will build The Wave, a soaring 180-by-55-foot, 4,300-pound recycled aluminum spaceframe in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall from Dec. 18 to 19, 2025. The completed installation will be on view from Dec. 27, 2025 through Feb. 8, 2026. (more…)
From the National Building Museum:
“This season, the National Building Museum is delighted to welcome back the Winter Skate Spectacular—returning for its second year in an even bigger, better, and brighter form.
This one of a kind, indoor synthetic ice-skating experience transforms the Museum’s Great Hall into a winter wonderland where visitors of all ages can skate beneath the soaring Corinthian columns. Events will include early hours for younger skaters, themed nights, festive snacks and drinks, and more!
From lively after-hours events for adults to joyful moments for families, there’s plenty to keep the spirit of the holidays alive well into the new year.
WHEN: (more…)
photo by LaTur
From the Smithsonian:
“Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are reopening on a rolling basis by Monday, Nov. 17. We look forward to seeing you! More info below.
Reopening on Friday, Nov. 14
National Museum of American History
National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African Art
National Museum of Asian Art
National Zoo
Reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12 p.m. ET
National Museum of Natural History
All museums, with the exception of our National Museum of Natural History, are reopening at their regular times. Please note, museums will have limited food service offerings.”
From the Smithsonian:
“The Smithsonian will reopen the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on Friday, Nov. 14. All other museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will reopen on a rolling basis by Monday, Nov. 17. (more…)
“Picture of Laurie Munn standing before her paintings in the Watergate Museum “pop-up” gallery.”
From the Watergate Museum (2542 Virginia Ave, NW):
“The Watergate Museum Corporation is pleased to announce that it recently opened a “pop-up” portrait gallery of the individuals associated with the Watergate scandal. Painted by artist Laurie Munn, these 82 original portraits feature key players in the 1972 break-in and cover up, the Nixon administration, and the 1970’s. This is the only time that all of the portraits have been exhibited together. The location is the Watergate Retail Plaza (lower level), 2542 Virginia Ave NW. The hours are: (more…)
photo by Lorie Shaull
From Smithsonian:
“Due to the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums are temporarily closed beginning on Sunday, Oct. 12, along with our research centers and the National Zoo. (more…)
Thanks to Yariv for passing on from NGA:
“The National Gallery of Art is temporarily closed and all programs are canceled until further notice. Check back for more updates.”
And an update from the Smithsonian National Zoo:
“Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are open today and will remain open through our scheduled closing time on Saturday, Oct. 11. (more…)